During last year’s holiday season the Chicago Park District partnered with the City of Chicago and the GCFD to collectively raise over 14,000 pounds in food donations at various locations across the city. With that contribution, the GCFD was able to feed over 10,000 Chicagoans in need.

This year the Chicago Park District aims to raise the bar and collect 20,000 pounds in even more locations in November and December. This would allow the GCFD to serve over 14,000 meals to families and individuals throughout their pantry network across the city.

Donations of non-perishable foods will be accepted at the following locations from Wed., Nov. 28 through Thurs., Dec. 13:

The fact is people are struggling to access nutritious food. Right now the food insecurity rate in Cook County is 15.6 percent, meaning 807,690 people are unsure of when they will have their next meal. In some communities, the food insecurity rate is as high as 1 in 3. With the support from the Chicago Park District food drive, the GCFD can provide food to these communities during challenging times.

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks, to expand your horizons by registering for one of our thousands of programs offered throughout our 260 field houses, to get a great workout indoors at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, or outdoors along Lake Michigan’s 26 miles of pristine lakefront, or enjoy nature with a peaceful visit.